Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

Nintendo Wii

HEXFew things are better than seeing your favourite heroes and fighters pitted against each other in an all-out vs mode – and the latest to hit Capcom’s ‘versus’ series is Tatsunoko vs Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars.

BAJOTatsunoko vs Capcom features characters from the Streetfighter series, Darkstalkers, MegaMan and more – and while most of the Tatsunoko characters tend to look pretty similar – their powers differ greatly, each with impressive and original super-moves. And of course Capcom’s signature favourites make an appearance...

HEXThere was some debate over Capcom’s decision to launch the game on the Wii platform exclusively – however after putting in some serious play time, I do actually think it sits well on this console. The game gave you the option to use either Wii remote with the nunchuck attachement – the classic controller – or you could dig up your oldschool GameCube controller and use that.

HEXYeah, I was surprised. I usually find the Wii Remote quite awkward unless using it as a sword or a tennis racquet – but after switching to the much treasured GameCube controller – I actually had more trouble landing those combos and super-moves.

BAJOReally? I was the opposite – I preferred the the old Game cube one...

HEXI am so sorry.

BAJOYes. Well.

You get to choose two characters to fight each round so it’s worth finding teammates that complement each other and make up for each other’s weaknesses. The game really encourages to you to attack constantly – with ground and aerial dashes to add to the frenzy. Super-moves are impressive with a potentially devastating amount of damage to be dealt, so landing them makes for some seriously satisfying pwnage.

HEXA feature that’s new to the series is the addition of ‘Baroque’ – it’s tricky to master, but basically the idea is this: You can power up and perform a devastating combo – in exchange for sacrificing the red portion of the life meter that’s normally recoverable by switching characters. It can be executed by pressing the partner button and an attack button simultaneously while in the middle of an attack.

BAJOOnce you’ve gone all Baroque on your opponent – your character will start to flash and you’re then free to unleash hell with combos or a super-move. It may be a bit daunting for some to maneuver, but the more hardcore gamers will really relish the opportunity maximize their damage.

HEXI loved the choice of characters in this game, Baj – all of them were unique and so much fun to mix n’ match with one another. Some of my favourites were Morrigan – a succubus with batwings coming out of her head – that tiny little girl-character who massacred her opponents with a broom and happy rainbows of DEATH – and giant lego-cheese-man. Amazing.

BAJOYou also have the opportunity to negotiate characters with more ranged fighting-styles – teaming a character like Saki with a more up-in-your-face partner will make for some juicy rounds.

HEXThe campaign is short and not particularly difficult – with the exception of the last boss, ‘Yami’ – the third sphere in a series of giant spheres with appendages of epic damage. Seriously, ouch. Although I have to say, as bosses go – these were pretty lame. With all the originality of all the playable characters, I don’t want to finish the game by fighting a giant ball.

BAJOYeah, that sphere was a pain to fight, and I felt a bit stupid fighting it. Ultimately, though – this game is all about the vs mode for me, and – I have to say, Hex, this really is definitely one of the better fighters I’ve played lately.

HEXI agree – this is probably the most fun I’ve had on the Wii in a long time. There is so much going on at any one time, you can happily button-mash your way to victory. But for the more experienced gamers, planning strategic attacks and choosing the right character combos will really make this a satisfying fighting experience, too. I’m giving it 8.5 / 10 rubber chickens.

BAJOI went nuts with the Baroque feature – as a fighter- mechanic it really hit the spot. If the some of these characters are unfamiliar to you, you’re just going to want to keep trying them all to see what each one is capable of – I had a great time. I’m giving it 8.5 as well.